FIGO Cape Town 2025: The Big Five

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This October, our global community will meet in Cape Town for the XXV FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics. In the spirit of our host country, we’ve drawn inspiration from South Africa’s iconic Big Five - not only famed symbols of the African landscape, but representations of strength, endurance and impact. These qualities mirror the heart of FIGO’s work and the energy that will shape this year’s Congress. 

We are proud to share the FIGO Cape Town 2025 Big Five: five essential highlights, from bold speakers to can’t-miss sessions and hands-on workshops, that embody the power, significance and purpose of our movement. This is just a taste of what awaits you in Cape Town.

View the full programme to plan your Congress journey.  

The Big Five speakers 

At FIGO Cape Town 2025, you will hear from global leaders, clinicians, researchers and advocates. Each unique speaker offers valuable perspectives that reflect the challenges facing women’s health today. 

Among the voices joining as our keynotes are: 

  • Dr Sima Samar, speaking at the Mahmoud Fathalla Lecture on Sunday 5 October
  • Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, speaking at the President’s session on PPH on Sunday 5 October
  • Dr Stella M. Dantas, speaking at the Howard Taylor Lecture on Tuesday 7 October
  • Dr Edgar Mocanu, speaking at the De Watterville Memorial Lecture on Wednesday 8 October
  • Professor Hrishikesh Pai, speaking at the B.N Purandare Lecture on Thursday 9 October 

Meet our keynote speakers 
 

The Big Five scientific sessions 

Our scientific programme spans the full breadth of the field of women’s health, from maternal fetal medicine to benign surgery.  You will experience a rich mix of clinical, policy and research-focused sessions, suitable for all career grades and specialties.  

Key sessions include: 

  • Cervical cancer elimintation, maternal mortality, FGM and PPH on Sunday 5 October, hosted by the African Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AFOG)
  • WHO contraception guidelines, evidence and implementation updates on  Monday 6 October, hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Deep infiltrating endometriosis surgical video classroom on Tuesday 7 October
  • Nutrition across the life-course on Wednesday 8 October, hosted by FIGO
  • Access to low-cost assisted reproduction on Thursday 9 October, hosted by the South African Society of Obstretics & Gynaecology (SASOG)  

Explore the scientific programme. 

The Big Five educational activities 

Don’t miss the opportunity to sharpen your skills and knowledge with a pre-congress workshop or hands-on simulation lab. Learn from leading professionals as you build your confidence, gain hands-on experience and practice life-saving skills in a controlled setting.  

Highlighted activities include: 

  • Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS), workshop hosted by the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) on Saturday 4 October
  • Teach the breech: Hands on workshop for vaginal breech delivery, hosted by the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBGOG) and the World Association of Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynecology (WATOG) on Saturday 4 October
  • Empowering maternal health through the FIGO pregnancy passport, workshop hosted by the FIGO Committee on the Impact of Pregnancy on Long-Term Health on Saturday 4 October
  • Minimal Access Surgery, simulation lab hosted by the FIGO Committee on Minimal Access Surgery on Monday 6 October
  • Hands on IVF clinic workshop, simulation lab hosted by the FIGO Committee on Reproductive Medicine, Endocrinology and Infertility on Wednesday 8 October 

Spaces are limited, discover all of our educational activities and register today.

The Big Five experiences at Congress 

FIGO Cape Town 2025 offers more than just science.  It’s a vibrant space to connect, celebrate and engage with peers from around the world. These experiences enrich the Congress by fostering community, learning and inspiration beyond the lecture halls. 

Included in this year’s programme are: 

  • Film festival: discover powerful storytelling from around the globe. Curated to spotlight pressing challenges and innovations in maternal health, this cinematic journey brings lived experiences and advocacy to the screen. You can find the film festival schedule in our full programme.
  • Gala dinner: join us on Wednesday, 8 October to celebrate the Diversity of Africa at our headline social event. Enjoy traditional food, lively entertainment and unparalleled networking opportunities in the highlight of FIGO's social calendar.
  • ePoster tours: connect directly with leading researchers during daily sessions centred around cutting-edge abstracts in key areas of women’s health. A unique opportunity to engage with abstract authors, ask questions and share perspectives in an informal setting.
  • Exhibition hall: explore the heart of the Congress buzz. Meet our industry leading sponsors and exhibitors, take in flash symposia sessions and connect with the FIGO team - all over a cup of coffee.
  • Fun run: Lace up and join the FIGO Committee on Breast Health for a 5K Park Run on Saturday, 4 October, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Whether you walk, jog or run, it's a healthy and meaningful way to start your day — and participation is free.

One Congress, one global mission 

Just as the Big Five are iconic to the African landscape, the FIGO Cape Town 2025 Big Five reflect the spirit of our Congress: inclusive, impactful and rooted in collective strength. Together in Cape Town, we’ll share knowledge, foster collaboration and champion the health and rights of women and girls around the world. 

Don’t miss your last chance to register online, book your place by Thursday 25 September.